September 19, 2026, is the 262nd day of the year, with 103 days remaining, and it falls on a Saturday, still within the thirty-eighth week of the year.
With 24 national and international days on the calendar, September 19 is one of the biggest day yet in September. Fifteen of these observances are pegged to the third Saturday of September, so this particular date absorbs a whole cluster of moving-date campaigns all at once, everything from Batman Day to International Coastal Cleanup Day to National Gymnastics Day.
Batman Day was created in 2014 by DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. to mark Batman’s 75th anniversary, later settling into its recurring September slot. National Dance Day was established by the television series So You Think You Can Dance in partnership with the Dizzy Feet Foundation. International Talk Like a Pirate Day began in 1995 as a joke between friends John Baur and Mark Summers, becoming a global phenomenon after humor columnist Dave Barry wrote about it in 2002. And International Coastal Cleanup Day, founded in 1986 by Linda Maraniss and Kathy O’Hara of Ocean Conservancy, mobilizes millions of volunteers each year.
National Days on September 19
All national & international days celebrated today
24 celebrations on this day Day 262 of 365 · 103 days left · week 38 · Virgo season · 🌓 first quarterBatman Day
Created in 2014 by DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. to mark Batman’s 75th anniversary, later settling into its recurring slot on the third Saturday of September.
National Dance Day
Established by the television series So You Think You Can Dance in partnership with the Dizzy Feet Foundation, promoting dance as a joyful, accessible form of fitness.
International Talk Like a Pirate Day
Began in 1995 as a joke between friends John Baur and Mark Summers during a racquetball game, becoming a global phenomenon after humor columnist Dave Barry wrote about it in 2002.
International Coastal Cleanup Day
Founded in 1986 by Linda Maraniss and Kathy O’Hara of Ocean Conservancy, mobilizing millions of volunteers across more than 100 countries to remove trash from beaches.
Here’s every observance celebrated on September 19, 2026.
National & International Days on September 19
Here’s a closer look at the 24 national and international days celebrated on September 19.
Aortic Dissection Awareness Day
Aortic Dissection Awareness Day was founded in 2016 by Swedish patient Timo Söderlund to raise awareness about aortic dissection, a rare but often fatal condition where the inner layer of the aorta tears. The campaign has grown rapidly, with advocacy groups and medical organizations worldwide supporting public education, research, and early diagnosis.
The THINK AORTA campaign, supported by professional societies, distributes multilingual resources to hospitals and emergency departments, ensuring doctors recognize symptoms quickly. The day also draws attention to connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, and vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, which greatly increase risk. By sharing patient stories and promoting early detection, Aortic Dissection Awareness Day saves lives.
Astronomy Day
Astronomy Day* (celebrated twice a year in Autumn and Spring) was founded in 1973 by Doug Berger, president of the Astronomical Association of Northern California, to bring astronomy out of observatories and directly to the public. Berger’s idea was simple but transformative: set up telescopes in busy urban locations like parks, shopping centers, and city streets so people could spontaneously look at the Moon, planets, and stars.
The first Astronomy Day was held in spring, near the first-quarter moon between mid-April and mid-May, a timing that provided optimal evening views. In 2007, a second autumn celebration was added, scheduled between mid-September and mid-October, also near the first-quarter moon. Since its beginnings in California, the observance has grown into a global tradition, with planetariums, schools, museums, and amateur astronomy clubs inviting the public to explore the night sky. The day promotes education, curiosity, and wonder, reminding people that astronomy belongs to everyone—not just scientists and observatories.
Batman Day
Batman Day* (Third Saturday in September) honors one of the most enduring and influential superheroes in popular culture. First celebrated on July 23, 2014, during San Diego Comic-Con, the day was launched by DC Comics and Warner Bros. to mark the 75th anniversary of Batman’s debut in Detective Comics #27 (1939). It was later standardized to the third Saturday in September, where it continues today. Fans worldwide celebrate the “Caped Crusader” through comic book readings, cosplay, film screenings, and charity events. Beyond entertainment, Batman Day highlights the character’s cultural legacy as a symbol of resilience, justice, and the power of human determination without superpowers.
Big Whopper Liar Day
Big Whopper Liar Day* (Third Saturday in September) began in 1988 in New Harmony, Indiana, when local realtor Aubry Robison Jr. launched a community storytelling contest. The goal was simple: invite people to create the most outrageous, unbelievable tall tales possible, sparking laughter and camaraderie. The word “whopper” has long been used to describe an extravagant lie, with origins dating back to the 17th century, and Robison used this playful tradition to bring his community together. The event quickly became an annual gathering that celebrates the art of storytelling, the humor in exaggeration, and the joy of not taking oneself too seriously.
Boys’ and Girls’ Club Day for Kids
Boys’ and Girls’ Club Day for Kids* (Third Saturday in September) was founded in 2001 by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to strengthen bonds between children and adults through quality time and positive engagement. The day features activities, workshops, and community events that encourage healthy lifestyles, academic growth, and strong character development. It underscores the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs to provide safe spaces and mentorship for young people, especially in underserved communities. The observance serves as a reminder that investing in children today creates healthier, more successful generations tomorrow.
International Coastal Cleanup Day
International Coastal Cleanup Day* (Third Saturday in September): Founded in 1986 by Ocean Conservancy staff Linda Maraniss and Kathy O’Hara, International Coastal Cleanup Day began with 2,800 volunteers cleaning Texas beaches while documenting the debris collected. That data-driven approach made it more than a cleanup—it became the world’s largest citizen-science effort focused on marine litter. Today, millions in over 100 countries participate annually, removing trash, recording findings, and influencing policies to curb plastic pollution. The observance underscores how individual action contributes to global ocean health and biodiversity.
International Eat an Apple Day
International Eat an Apple Day* (Third Saturday in September) is a global celebration of apples. Apples originated in Central Asia and spread along trade routes to Europe and beyond, becoming one of the most widely cultivated fruits in the world. This day, observed on the third Saturday in September, encourages people to enjoy apples in their many forms—fresh, baked, or pressed into cider—and to appreciate their health benefits, such as fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. The celebration also highlights apples in folklore and tradition, from their role in Greek mythology to the proverb “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
🍎 Unlike the UK’s National Apple Day on October 21, founded in 1990 by Common Ground to spotlight local varieties, this international version emphasizes the fruit’s universal significance.
International Red Panda Day
International Red Panda Day* (Third Saturday in September) was launched in 2010 by the Red Panda Network to draw attention to the critically declining population of red pandas—small mammals native to the Eastern Himalayas. With fewer than 2,500 believed to remain in the wild, red pandas face habitat loss, poaching, and the illegal pet trade. The day emphasizes conservation education and community engagement, especially in Nepal and India, to protect red panda habitats and their ecosystems. Red pandas play a vital role in maintaining the health of Himalayan forests, making their survival crucial for biodiversity.
International Talk Like a Pirate Day
International Talk Like a Pirate Day is a lighthearted holiday where people greet each other with pirate slang like “arrr” and “ahoy, matey.” It began in 1995 when friends John Baur and Mark Summers, who go by Ol’ Chumbucket and Cap’n Slappy, came up with the idea as a joke during a racquetball game. The holiday later caught on more widely after humor columnist Dave Barry wrote about it, which helped it spread.
Locate an Old Friend Day
Locate an Old Friend Day* (Third Saturday in September) was created in 1965 by C.J. Mullen. It encourages people to pause from busy routines and reconnect with friends from the past. It’s a reminder that friendships enrich life, and rekindling old bonds can strengthen emotional well-being. The day promotes writing letters, making calls, or using modern tools like social media to find and reach out to long-lost friends. At its heart, Locate an Old Friend Day is about cherishing shared memories and renewing the connections that bring joy and a sense of belonging.
National All Star Cheer & Dance Day
National All Star Cheer & Dance Day* (Changes annually) falls on a Saturday in September each year, with the 2026 celebration set for September 19. The U.S. All Star Federation created the observance in 2015 to bring together clubs, athletes, families and fans in celebrating all star cheer and dance. It’s worth noting that National Cheerleading Week takes place during the first week of March, a separate observance honoring cheerleaders more broadly.
National Butterscotch Pudding Day
National Butterscotch Pudding Day spotlights a dessert that combines the caramel-like flavor of butterscotch with creamy pudding. Butterscotch itself dates back to 19th-century Yorkshire, with confectioner Samuel Parkinson credited with popularizing it in 1817. Recipes for butterscotch candy appeared in newspapers as early as 1848, while pudding adaptations emerged later in the United States. The day celebrates the evolution of this comforting treat from Victorian candy shops to modern kitchens.
National Cat DNA Day
National Cat DNA Day was created in 2020 by Basepaws, a feline genetics company, to highlight how DNA testing can improve cats’ lives by identifying breed traits, potential health risks, and hereditary conditions. The September 19 date is symbolic: cats are said to have nine lives and carry 19 chromosome pairs. The day educates owners on how genetic insights can lead to better preventive care and stronger bonds with their pets, while also contributing to broader research on feline genetics.
National CleanUp Day
National CleanUp Day* (Third Saturday in September) began in 2017, founded by Steve Jewett and Bill Willoughby, hikers who grew frustrated by litter along their trails. What started as a personal initiative evolved into a nationwide effort through the non-profit Clean Trails. The observance encourages individuals, schools, and organizations to participate in community cleanups of parks, beaches, and neighborhoods. The day emphasizes the idea that if everyone picked up just one piece of trash, it would create a significant impact. Today, it is part of the World CleanUp Day movement, highlighting environmental responsibility and the collective power of small actions.
National Dance Day
National Dance Day* (Third Saturday in September) was created in 2010 by Nigel Lythgoe, co-creator of So You Think You Can Dance, in partnership with Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. This day celebrates dance as both art and exercise. Backed by the American Dance Movement, the initiative spotlights the benefits of dance for physical health, mental well-being, and self-expression. Communities across the United States host workshops, flash mobs, and performances, inviting people of all ages and abilities to embrace movement. Dance is recognized not only as creative expression but also as an accessible way to build healthier lifestyles.
National Gymnastics Day
National Gymnastics Day* (Third Saturday in September) was launched in the late 1990s by USA Gymnastics to promote participation in gymnastics and raises awareness of its many benefits. Gymnastics builds strength, flexibility, balance, and discipline, making it a foundation for lifelong fitness. Local clubs and organizations mark the day with open houses, demonstrations, and community events, encouraging children and adults to try the sport. Beyond athletic performance, gymnastics fosters confidence, focus, and teamwork, showing its value far beyond competition.
National Love Your Lunch Day
National Love Your Lunch Day was founded in 2024 by food storage company Sistema to address the issue of lunchbox shaming in schools. By promoting pride in diverse meals and cultural food traditions, the day combats bullying and encourages inclusivity at lunchtime. Sistema provides free resources for parents and teachers to foster open conversations, celebrate food diversity, and create supportive environments where children feel confident sharing their meals.
National Meow Like a Pirate Day
National Meow Like a Pirate Day is a feline spin-off of International Talk Like a Pirate Day celebrated on the same day. This playful observance celebrates cats’ long history aboard ships as pest controllers and companions. It embraces their adventurous spirit and mysterious charm, imagining them as purring crewmates on high-seas adventures. The day encourages cat lovers to share pirate-themed photos, jokes, and stories, merging two beloved cultural icons—pirates and cats—into one lighthearted holiday.
National Multivitamin Day
National Multivitamin Day* (Third Saturday in September) was established in 2024 by GNC to highlight the role of multivitamins in complementing a healthy diet and lifestyle. While food should remain the primary source of nutrients, multivitamins can help address dietary gaps and support immunity, energy, and mental clarity. The observance educates consumers about choosing quality supplements and emphasizes that they work best when combined with balanced meals, exercise, and healthy habits. It also reflects a broader cultural interest in preventive health and wellness.
National Puppy Mill Awareness Day
National Puppy Mill Awareness Day* (Third Saturday in September) was created in 2004 by animal welfare activists, including Last Chance for Animals. This day shines a spotlight on the cruelty of puppy mills—large-scale breeding operations that often prioritize profit over animal welfare. Dogs in puppy mills are typically kept in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions without proper veterinary care or socialization. The observance urges people to adopt from shelters and rescues rather than buy from pet stores or online, helping to break the cycle of demand that sustains puppy mills. Events across the country include adoption drives, protests, and educational campaigns.
National Sew a Jelly Roll Day
National Sew a Jelly Roll Day* (Third Saturday in September) was launched in 2017 by Moda Fabrics to encourage quilters to use their pre-cut bundles of fabric strips, known as “Jelly Rolls,” instead of letting them sit unused. A Jelly Roll typically contains 40–42 strips, each 2.5 inches wide and 42–44 inches long, perfect for quilts and other sewing projects. Moda coined the term “Jelly Roll” in 2006, and it quickly became popular with quilting enthusiasts. The observance invites people to tap into creativity, connect with quilting traditions, and share handmade items that preserve cultural heritage while promoting sustainability through fabric use.
National Woman Road Warrior Day
National Woman Road Warrior Day was created to honor the growing number of women balancing professional and personal lives while traveling for work. It recognizes their resilience, adaptability, and contributions to the business travel landscape, encouraging companies and communities to acknowledge and support their efforts.
Responsible Dog Ownership Day
Responsible Dog Ownership Day* (Third Saturday in September) was launched in 2003 by the American Kennel Club (AKC). It’s part of a larger campaign to promote healthy and respectful relationships between people and their pets. The day features events hosted by AKC clubs across the U.S., including dog training demonstrations, health clinics, and educational sessions. Observed on the third Saturday in September, it aligns with Responsible Dog Ownership Month and encourages owners to commit to proper care, training, and community etiquette. The observance underscores that owning a dog is a lifelong responsibility involving compassion, time, and effort.
Software Freedom Day
Software Freedom Day (SFD)* (Third Saturday in September) was first organized in 2004 by Matt Oquist, Henrik Omma, and Phil Harper, and now coordinated by the Digital Freedom Foundation. It promotes awareness and use of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). Originally held in August, it was moved in 2006 to the third Saturday of September to foster global participation. The day celebrates the freedoms associated with FOSS: the right to run, study, modify, and share software. Local events around the world—workshops, conferences, and coding sessions—highlight how open-source technologies support innovation, education, and digital equity.
Usher Syndrome Awareness Day
Usher Syndrome Awareness Day* (Third Saturday in September) was established in 2015 by the Usher Syndrome Coalition. This day raises awareness of Usher syndrome, a rare genetic condition that causes combined hearing loss and progressive vision loss due to retinitis pigmentosa. The date—on or near the autumnal equinox—was chosen symbolically, as the shift toward longer nights reflects the gradual vision loss experienced by people with the condition. The day emphasizes the need for early diagnosis, research funding, and community support. It also builds solidarity among families and individuals affected by Usher syndrome while advocating for treatments and eventual cures.
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